Dramatic Turn of Events at West Palm Beach Golf Club

In a chilling incident, an assassination attempt on Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club was narrowly averted.

At a Glance

Donald Trump was targeted in an apparent assassination attempt at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Secret Service agents detected a rifle muzzle and intervened, leading to the suspect’s capture.
The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, left behind an AK-style rifle and other equipment.
Trump is confirmed to be safe and has reassured his supporters through an email.

Assassination Attempt at Trump Golf Club

A would-be assassin armed with an AK-style rifle was apprehended at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Donald Trump was the target. Secret Service agents noticed the rifle muzzle through nearby shrubbery and acted swiftly, opening fire when the suspect tried to flee.

The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, attempted to escape in a black Nissan. Local authorities captured him in a neighboring county. The suspect left behind an AK-style rifle, two backpacks, a scope, and a GoPro camera.

Former President Donald Trump is "safe and unharmed" after a second possible assassination attempt, this time while he was playing golf in Florida.

The suspect fled after a Secret Service agent fired shots at him, but he was later arrested around 50 miles away. pic.twitter.com/AOBdOK2BTd

— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) September 16, 2024

Swift Response from Law Enforcement

The incident occurred near the 5th and 6th holes of the course—vulnerable spots close to the road. Secret Service agents fired four to five rounds at the suspect, who later fled in a car on I-95 but was captured. Authorities issued a “be on the lookout” alert promptly after the gunshots.

An investigation led by the FBI, with support from the ATF, is underway. Law enforcement agencies are meticulously examining all evidence, including the abandoned rifle and vehicle. Attorney General Merrick Garland is also receiving regular updates. Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis emphasized the need for transparency in the ongoing investigation.

Man arrested in apparent Trump assassination attempt to appear in federal court Monday https://t.co/hEqIO6tUEr

— Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) September 16, 2024

Trump’s Assurance to Supporters

After the incident, Trump confirmed his safety in an email to supporters, stating, “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” He added, “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”

Trump’s campaign schedule remains unaffected, with events planned in Michigan, New York, Washington, D.C., and North Carolina. Political figures from both parties condemned the violence and expressed relief that Trump is safe.